Romney's LDS faith shouldn't be an issue

I, along with millions of other Americans, hope that a courteous and intelligent approach can dictate the upcoming run for the White House. Sensationalism and sensualism cannot knock out sensibility. For example, many of the political pundits and bloggers out there have a titillating infatuation for Mitt Romney's underwear rather than a reasonable take on his character. Here is a man who believes in being "honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous and in doing good to all men." Yet, those who wish to peddle the whimsical, ignore or distort this man's personal beliefs, which sustain the greatness of our country, if lived.

The honest logical debates about the credibility and leadership of Romney as president of the United States will come from both Mormons and non-Mormons alike. Rightly so, he should be scrutinized by those who analyze the purpose of government, the role of a president and the responsibility of citizenship and representative democracy. Good honest Americans will disagree and call into question his political philosophy (elected LDS Church members already do). But a fair and reasonable American will never debase the man, especially on misconstrued religious information.

Internet searches prove that the distasteful and manipulative attacks on the man come from two camps — the "ignorantly led" and the "nefarious immoral." These, typically, are one issue individuals or groups straying from foundational principles and clamoring for a stamp of approval on their particular chosen lifestyle or pretended religion — atheism. Those who claim Romney will be a puppet of the LDS Church fail to realize who is controlling their own strings. Like most, Romney is influenced by his heritage, his ability, genuine ambition and love for the United States.

The American voting citizenry needs to step up and distinguish between the voices of selective groups with selective agendas and learn for themselves. From welfare issues to sexuality and from Hollywood to corporations, the media are saturated with perverse campaigns. The perverse tenor of our day is attacking the minds and hearts of countless individuals. Such internal corrosion infiltrating nearly every facet of our existence disenfranchises human relationships. Charity and concern for fellow Americans is replaced by mean, angry and cold associations. Selfishness reigns and America suffers.

Damon Linker recently wrote in The New Republic Online ("Taking Mormonism Seriously") that in America "citizens have every reason to seek clarification about the character of his (Romney's) Mormonism." Romney is not on trial here, neither is Mormonism — America is! When a religious individual with a moral foundation presents himself for public office, irreligious individuals radically extend their voices against that individual. We need to seek clarification on America's character and elect an individual who is willing to battle the flood of vice and protect the hearts and homes of our nation — no matter his political party, religion or economic status.

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Ryan Jenkins lives in Bountiful and writes college-level religious curriculum.